Which stringer? What tools do I need?

[masonw142]

I was looking to get a stringer by the end of the year. Was looking at the crank and electronic machines. I have narrowed it down to some stringers that I am still considering.....

Gamma Progression II ELS Stringing Machine

Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine


Tourna 300-CS Stringing Machine

Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine

And possibly a... Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine

And also I know that some of these machines come with tools but is that all I need or do I need to get some other important ones?

 

[Irvin]

If it were me getting my first stringer I would get the Gamma ST II, although the ELS are nice too. I like the string rollers on the Gamma machine which you will not find on any other lockout. You could get a Wise later but it's just a bigger expense if you want electronic. I would rule out the NEOS just because of glide bars. The glide bars do have some good advantages but at the same time disadvantages. Glide bar single action clamps are fast but just not as conveinent.

 

[MAX PLY]

In what seems to be your price range, I would recommend staying away from the "budget" electrics---too much can go wrong. I do suggest considering an upright machine rather than a table top if you have the room. The Gamma uprights (5003/6004) are nice. Also, I disagree with Irvin's caution against the Neos 1000 (actually, of the machines you list, the Neos 1000 would in fact be my choice)-- in my view, glide bars are not really inconvenient and other attributes of that machine (simplicity and durability) very much outweigh the so-called inconvenience (that said, the Neos is not ideal if you anticipate fan patterned racquets). There are some good treads to search on here to take advantage of before your purchase. Good luck.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

I disagree and would easily vote for the NEOS over just about any machine in this price range. It is the most popular machine in pro shops for a reason. Built like a tank, and will last you forever. Only drawback is doing racquetball frames. They are easily found used as well.

 

[eelhc]

I would also consider the Alpha Axis Pro.

 

[that]

In what seems to be your price range, I would recommend staying away from the "budget" electrics---too much can go wrong. I do suggest considering an upright machine rather than a table top if you have the room. The Gamma uprights (5003/6004) are nice. Also, I disagree with Irvin's caution against the Neos 1000 (actually, of the machines you list, the Neos 1000 would in fact be my choice)-- in my view, glide bars are not really inconvenient and other attributes of that machine (simplicity and durability) very much outweigh the so-called inconvenience (that said, the Neos is not ideal if you anticipate fan patterned racquets). There are some good treads to search on here to take advantage of before your purchase. Good luck.

Stay away from electric machines in this price range. I highly recommend any of the Gamma XST machines. Gamma has a great turn table. The clamps are nice and easy to clean, the mounting is annoying by today's six point mount standards but still simple. Gamma has amazing customer support, John is one of the best in the business.

Prince Neos is a nice machine too. The two point mounting is great because you have no blocked grommets, it is much easier to mount improperly though. I have strung plenty of sticks on this machine and I always come away annoyed with the clamps. I know they are simple and great but I guess I am spoiled and get to appreciate having fixed clamps instead of the glide bars.

Now my favorite part tools.
Clippers: I use the Xuron LX Micro Shear; they make cheaper but this one seems a little more sturdy
Bent Nose Pliers: Again Xuron Needle Nose pliers
Awl: I don't like sharp awls, I mainly use them to widen grommets and push a string out of the way. Kimony short awl is great, the bent awl is nice because it is a little thinner but you can accomplish most anything with the short one
Starting Clamp: Must buy! I like the new Babolat tool but the gamma is great as well. Keep them clean. It basically does everything, tie knots, bridge a short string, backs up the machine clamps. If I had to choose one tool I had to have this is it.
Setting of Awl is great if you string a lot and hate the heavy lifting of straightening with your fingers. I love my Babolat but RAB and Kimony make them as well.

 

[JBH]

Stay away from electric machines in this price range

Why is that please?

 

[that]

The benefits of an electric machine should be, consistent and constant pull. Buying new in that range will put you in a lockdown electric machine, not horrible by any stretch but you need to consider the reliability of an electric vs a crank. There are many more parts to breakdown on an electric machine. I have used many of the best and most expensive machines around and they all break down. The Prince Neos for example is a rugged and sturdy machine, while it is possible for parts to break you aren't having to deal with electrical and motor issues.
Also it matters how you plan on using this machine. Do you have a dedicated area for it with a stand, is it going to sit on a table, will it be moved around frequently, will it be taken to new locations to string outside (don't always have power)? These are all things to consider before you purchase any machine. So basically I don't believe the convenience and benefits of electric over crank show until you get into the much pricier models like the Sensor.